Smoke Plume Superstitions 2

[Nighthiker]

Another fire in the Superstitions, Montana Mtn. Fire. Near/at Montana Mountain very large column of smoke this afternoon. Suspect lightning strike on Sat or Sun.

[Nighthiker]

You can observe the fire from the Gold Canyon area at this time.

[chumley]

Two lightning-sparked fires in the Tonto National Forest have burned nearly 600 acres but aren't threatening any structures, officials said.

The 650 Fire started Sunday on the Superstition Mountains near Superior. It has burned approximately 100 acres and is not contained.

The fire is in a remote location, but flames and smoke are visible from Apache Junction and east Mesa.

The fire is being monitored and is expected to burn out unless conditions in the area radically change.

The Frio Fire started on Aug. 17 in the Pinal Mountains near Medira Park about 2 miles south of Miami. It has burned approximately 500 acres and is not contained. The fire is in a remote location and doesn't seem to be too threatening, according to Tonto National Forest Spokesman David Albo.

An additional fire on the Tonto is located near Horton Creek:

Horton Fire accomplishing forest plan objectives

Payson, Ariz. (August 29, 2011) – The lightning-ignited Horton fire, first spotted on August 25, is burning slowly in an area approximately ¾ mile northeast of Tonto Christian Camp on the east side of Tonto Creek, roughly located between Horton Creek and the big 500 kV power lines in that area. Fire personnel are on scene.

Payson Ranger District fire specialists are managing the Horton Fire to accomplish forest plan objectives to allow fire to burn naturally in a fire-adapted ecosystem.

Residents and visitors to the area can expect to see and smell periodic large volumes of smoke each day of the managed fire operation until about Monday, September 5. During the day, smoke is anticipated to move up Tonto Creek and hug and move over the Mogollon Rim.

District fire specialists plan to treat about 390 acres from the naturally-ignited fire that is being managed to reduce dense, decadent, and heavy fuel loading and to improve wildlife habitat.

For information about prescribed fire and mechanical fuels reduction operations, please call the Payson Ranger District at 928-474-7900. Residents can also stay updated on prescribed fires at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Tonto. To report a wildland fire, the fire emergency number is 866-746-6516, or dial 9-1-1.